The metal surface of the docks felt cold beneath Techyon's boots as he approached the restricted sector. The massive shadow of the Hydro Tanker loomed over him like a sleeping leviathan.
Maybe I can get a hint... or any information about Rax, Techyon thought, his eyes scanning the hull for the "unnatural activity" the veterans had whispered about.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps rang out on the metal grating. High-intensity spotlights snapped onto him, blinding his Brain Spark .
"Hey! Why are you here, kid?" a gruff voice barked. Two guards in heavy, water-resistant plating surrounded him. "This isn't a playground. This is a restricted zone."
Before Techyon could flash his new 100,000 gold status, they grabbed him. "Spectating the tankers at this hour? You're coming with us. The Arcon wants a report on any suspicious movement."
The Hydro Palace
Techyon was marched through halls of flowing sapphire and marble. The Hydro Palace was a masterpiece of liquid architecture, but he was too annoyed to admire it.
"Great Hydro Arcon," the guards bowed deeply as they entered the throne room. "We caught this kid spectating the tankers. We brought him here for questioning."
A figure sat atop the throne, surrounded by a faint, misty veil of power. The Hydro Arcon looked down at the small, defiant boy in the center of the room.
"Good job," the Arcon's voice echoed, surprisingly soft. "Now you can leave."
The guards exited, the heavy doors thudding shut. Techyon crossed his arms, his white and blue aura sparking slightly. "Look, Hydro Arcon, I didn't do anything wrong! Just let me go, I—"
Techyon's words died in his throat. The Arcon didn't summon a weapon or call for an executioner. Instead, the ruler of Hydro City rushed down the steps and threw their arms around him in a tight, desperate hug.
"Techyon..." the Arcon whispered, their voice trembling with relief. "You're still alive. I thought... I thought you were dead."
Techyon stood frozen in the Arcon's embrace, his mind spinning faster than his Brain Spark. He pushed back slightly, looking at the man in front of him.
The Hydro Arcon, Neweland, was a vision of high-class nobility. His hair was a striking stark white with streaks of deep cerulean blue, flowing like a calm tide. His robes were woven from liquid silk, shimmering with the wealth and power of the Hydro City.
"Who are you?" Techyon's voice was barely a whisper. "And how do you know my name?"
Neweland stepped back, a sad, nostalgic smile on his face. "I am Neweland. I can understand why you don't remember me, Techyon. You were barely two years old when we last saw each other... before the Great Collapse."
Techyon's heart hammered against his ribs. "That means... you knew them? You knew my family? Do you know something about my father?"
Neweland's expression turned solemn, a weight of history settling in his eyes. "I didn't just know him, Techyon. We were best friends. Your father was Arax—the man known across the realms as the strongest Arcon in history. He didn't just rule; he defined what it meant to hold power."
Techyon looked down at his hands. The 100,000 gold coins in his pocket felt like nothing compared to the weight of that name. Arax. The strongest.
"If he was so strong," Techyon muttered, his white and blue aura flickering with a trace of bitterness, "then why am I alone? And why does the world think he's gone?"
Neweland looked toward the massive windows overlooking the Hydro Tankers. "That is a story that involves the Apostle of Silence and a betrayal that stained the stars. But for now, know this: your blood is the most dangerous thing in this city."